plate no. 5260
Mary
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice rendering fabric folds and capturing subtle variations in light and shadow. It also provides an opportunity to study portraiture and composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral color.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the dress and background.
- step 04
Begin to refine the details of the dress, paying attention to the folds and textures.
- step 05
Add details to the face, hair, and accessories.
- step 06
Work on the background, adding depth and dimension.
- step 07
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · burnt umber
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of gray by combining white, black, and umber. Use small amounts of red and yellow to create subtle variations in the dress and background.
techniques
- ·grisaille underpainting
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Overworking the painting.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
A medium-grain canvas is recommended. Use high-quality oil paints for best results.
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